There are lots of spots to sit and watch the more adventurous flip and jump into the water. It does eventually get easier to have a conversation with whomever youre hiking with. If you arrive and the first pools feel a bit crowded, just continue up the wash. You are sure to find a serene location to take a dip. When you start out from the parking lot at the trailhead for the Romero Pools Trail, you will cross a creek bed and get a nice little warm up on your first hill. ML Marshall Gulch Loop 16.ML Meadow Trail 17. Max's early childhood was spent in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains in Northern Utah and his teenage years in the red rock desert of Southern Utah. Along the way, you see fields of 200-year-old saguaros and jagged rock outcroppings. Discover this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona. Glimpses of a tenacious mountain stream, persistently carving its way through the canyon, appear and disappear along the length of this rugged trail. Length: 5.5 miles (round trip) Elevation change: 1,300 feet; Time (including travel): 4 to . A must do hike if you are visiting. Rocky and steep, but we enjoyed the views and the water at the top was very refreshing! The well worn trail is easy to follow for it's entire length to the Romero Pools. I could see the rose quartz crystals on the trail with the bedding plane shifted 90 degrees. From your vantage point, storm activity may not always be visible. This means that buffelgrass thrives after wildfires; it grows back quickly, its seeds benefit from the fire, and in Arizona, fires also wipe out competitive species, making more room for buffelgrass. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, hat/glasses as there is very little shade on this moderately strenuous trail. The Romero Trailhead is located within the park- follow the signs. We've got hundreds of well documented Arizona hikes. I know I did the first 2 times I went here. 2 Beds. This trail goes by Montrose Pools and Sutherland Trailhead. Be prepared to get wet lots of people on the trails today. parseInt("360px") + 'px'); As the trailzig-zags upcraggy Romero Canyon, between larger-than-life boulder-scapes, a 180 turn reveals increasingly radicalviews ofMarana, stretching all the way to the horizon. Lizards of every description dart across the trail. Just past aspur trail to Montrose Pools (a scenic, sometimes flowing, stream bed) the Romero Hiking Trail begins to climb in earnest. Romero Canyon Pools. Even though it had rained pretty heavily a few days before we got there, the Romero Pools were pretty low. The trail continues across the wash, deeper into the Coronado national forest, but these pools are a good turn around point. Great mountain views and high desert fl ora characterize the hike, and wildlife ranging from skunks to See more on Trails Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. What are your favorite Tucson hikes? Credit: Troy McKaskle via Flickr Any car can access this trail-headeasily. _width: expression(this.parentNode.offsetWidth - Some water and a water crossing at the beginning. One of Tucsons favorite hikes, I write up my experience on a trek to the Romero Pools. .main-inner .column-right-outer { Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools Hard 4.6 (2919) Catalina State Park Photos (3,289) Directions Print/PDF map Length 8.9 kmElevation gain 403 mRoute type Out & Back Explore this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona. This means at the very start (and end) you will have to wade through about 30 yards of water. You have the option to either hop on a tram that will take you to the 7 Falls trailhead for $4 a person, or walk the 2 miles yourself. From there, we walked a little more than 3 miles. Fromthe highest pointon the Romero Hiking Trail, sounds of the stream raging below precede incredible views over 50 waterfalls and rapids. Starting from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area you'll want to follow signs for the Bear Canyon Trail. Directions: From the 1-10 (north of Tucson) take exit 240 east onto Tangerine Road. Continue for 13 miles then turn right atCatalina State Park. padding-left: 0; There is just a trickle. Our work will help you visit bucketlist destinations that everyone sees, but more importantly, to find mind-blowing destinations that most might not be aware of. Be sure to pack a bathing suit as the trail leads to a refreshing swimming pool at the base of a waterfall. We hiked for another 1.7 miles to reach the pools. Please explore responsibly! 2nd pool has a nice waterfall. Hike Description: This hike is an out and back up Romero Canyon Trail to some picturesque pools in the Catalina Mountains. Well maintained, well marked trail! We weren't allowed to interact with sea lions at t, You know how the saying goes - when life gives you, This was my first sunset of my first @UnCruise in, Rickwood caverns might be Alabama's most adventuro, It's finally time for me to start my first UnCruis, We're excited to try UnCruise, because, at Coleman, 15 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Petra Jordan, Understanding Overtourism And How To Travel Responsibly, Comprehensive Luxury Jordan Itinerary - Experience the Best of Jordan, the latest CDC recommendations for travelers, Trailhead: Catalina State Park. If you are camping, never leave your fire unattended, clear a safe area around your flames, and make sure that your fire is completely out before leaving camp. // Supply ads personalization default for EEA readers ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. } The Nightborn Travel team was born and raised in Arizona. An experienced Tucson hiker would dance along these crags, trying to maintain their gait and avoid touching the menacing foliage around themselves. All content is for entertainment purposes only. Hiking: 5.10 Miles: 1,179 AEG: Hiking: 5.10 Miles 2 Hrs 32 Mns . Most people stop too soon. 5mi 4h 30m Show 3 More Check-Ins Nearby Recommended Routes Canyon Loop via Horse Trail 3.1 mi 285' Up 286' Down Honeybee Canyon Short Loop 12.3 mi 456' Up 457' Down Catalina, AZ This moderate trail out of Catalina State Park will give you sweeping views of Oro Valley and cool pools you can dip your toes in at the end. You may think that wildfires are natural to the Sonoran Desert, and in a way, you are right. Devin exploring Romero Pools by headlamp. We would be hiking through more climate zones than if we drove from Mexico to Canada. Stunning trail and the cool pools were a gift. Bring hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help with stability. 2 Baths. The first plant we noticed was the famous Saguaro cactus. Continue north. To request permission for use email us at lisa@azutopia.com. However, at the end, you'll see the gorgeous pools and have views of Mt. Day three of a through hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero Canyon Trail. When you reach the final pool, turn around and go back the way you came. In fact, at the time that buffelgrass was brought to Arizona in those days, it was considered a wonder plant. Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 5.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,322 feet; Such a pity about the fires and worse yet that they are because of humans. The desert isnt for the meek. You might as well explore a little. I was there two weeks ago and went to the upper pools. You'll be sharing the trail with 20-40 other hikers. In the past, lightning could light fires in the desert, but the pre-colonial Sonoran Desert was patchy. Trail Length: 5.60 miles: Trail Type: Out & Back: Hike Difficulty: Intermediate: Elevation Gain: 1046 feet: Trails/Routes: 2.8-3.5 mi On the Trail Here are other trails in Catalina State Park to explore while youre hiking Romero Pools. If you're coming to Jordan, you will definitely be planning a Petra tour. This route requires a shuttle, but is a great hike to traverse the Santa Catalina Mountains. It really is! [CDATA[ window.fbAsyncInit = function() { FB.init({ appId : '1666689300261983', xfbml : true, version : 'v2.5' }); }; (function(d, s, id){ var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;} js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); // ]]> Crisp, clear pools and waterfalls are splash perfect, on Romero Hiking Trail. adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds = 1; I knew there was some serious fault activity in this region at some point in the past. Here they can send their tap roots down to harvest the water below. Sometimes these are mistakes or accidents that couldnt be helped, but other times, they are stupid mistakes or outright negligence. And more people using the land, especially people who arent responsible, increase incidences of human-caused fire. After 0.3 miles, turn left on Main Avenue. Dragging chains spark and in the dry conditions of Arizona, this can easily spark a fire. Required fields are marked *. All photos and maps may be freely used for non-commercial purposes when accompanied with a caption giving credit to gjhikes.com. The hike starts at Romero Canyon Trailhead, where it crosses a sandy wash and continues on a wide footpath. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are a travel couple dedicated to choosing a life full of fun and finding adventures worth sharing. The enigma of Saguaros having thorns and housing birds at the same time made me respect the strength of and forgiveness of the powerful people in my life. Mature saguaros 120 root span sucks a lot of valuable water out of the ground, which keeps other plants from growing, but it also stabilizes a considerable amount of soil from washing away in the monsoon floods. However, best just to not be out there if a fire is out of hand, and part of the work is teaching people to stop starting the fires on accident or otherwise. Ample parking is available as are bathrooms. Once we realize that we are only an observer, we could see the true beauty and diversity of life here. Login and be the first to review! We didn't use poles and didn't miss them either. While the land will heal to some extent, please know that this process will take many many years. The trail starts flat the first mile and then has steep incline. The hike takes you to a beautiful desert oasis set in a canyon with water that flows most, if not all of the year. Was a little cold to get started. But there is so much to see in AZ. As the morning progressed it got a bit warmer so appreciate the angle that Mr. Misadventures chose for this post as my face was a big sweaty mess, but boy did my . The first arms come when they are over 100 years. Started about 2pm. body { The rugged trail climbs through craggy rock outcroppings as it heads deep into the Santa Catalina Mountains. Long Hike: to Romero Spring 10 miles - B+ Short Hike: To Romero Pools 6 miles - B Alltrails description and map of the hike Directions: Take 1-10 south and take Exit 240. } Looking down Romero Canyon. They are old and slow growing. Trail then starts to climb and get more challenging. The golden hue comes from the roots of the Mexican Oaktrees which leak color into the stream. For example, Mt Graham red squirrels only live on Mt Graham and were thought to be extinct until a new family was discovered fifty years ago. Takes about 2 hours there and back. At this elevation, grasses cover the plains while the oaks prefer the valleys. Round trip including a stop for lunch took just over 4 hrs 15 minutes. Always a gorgeous hike! Thanks to his dad and the Boy Scouts, he was able to spend a lot of time hiking at an early age. I would have given 4.5 stars. Its important that you are honest with yourself if you are feeling too tired or run out of key supplies like food or water. Trail, improvements The trail now starts to gain elevation more aggressively and steadily for the remainder of the hike to the pools. if (typeof adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds === 'undefined') { Thus, when fires started, they were generally small and didnt burn at extreme temperatures. .main-inner .fauxcolumn-right-outer { A little ice on the trail and snow on the peaks made 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ. In each of these zones, an entirely new set of plants animals live. Romero Pools is a short hike that starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead in Catalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. The Romero Pools Trail is a day hike, not a short romp, and you will be traveling into wilderness areas, where rescues arent easy, safe, or cheap. Our first time visiting the pools was in March 2010 and second time in February of [] This looks wonderful! Take it easygo slow, take breaks. Don't miss Hutch's Pools along West Fork Trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass. Its 5.6 miles of moderate hiking with broad, scenic views of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalinas, ending at pools and flowing waterfalls. There are few hikes in the country with this level of biodiversity that also offer a glimpse of the pernicious and hidden Sonoran landscape. Nature, Catalina, 50-Year and Bridle Trail Loop, Sutherland, Trail Link, and Nature Trail Loop, Golder Ranch, 50 Year Trail, and Middlegate Loop, Dripping Springs Loop from Catalina State Park Back Entrance. These pools are also home to bighorn sheep, which need surface water to survive. Romero Canyon Trail. A handkerchief: use it to soak up sweat, pour some water over it and tie it around your neck to cool you down, tie it around an unfortunate injury as a bandagethe possibilities are endless. This is typical sonoran desert hiking as you'll see plenty of your favorite cacti. I loved how the Sonoran Desert shifted in each season, responding to the increases of heat and water. The Romero Hiking Trail continues another 4.4 miles, beyond the pools, to Romero Pass (miles not included above) for those who want to hike further. The Canyon Loop trail crosses a wash several times, so seasonal stream flow could impact travel. Camping is limited to 14 nights in a 30-day period. Views were beautiful as you got farther into the mountains. It's 5.6 miles of moderate hiking with broad, scenic views of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalinas, ending at pools and flowing waterfalls. Although more challenging than the previous two hikes -- it's virtually all uphill -- the reward is sweet enough that you'll quickly forget about the difficulty. From Tucson, follow Speedway Boulevard east. The water at the pools is usually very cold, which can be really nice on a hot day. Read More Download the Outbound mobile app Once you reach the first junction, bear right to stay on course for the pools. Great hike. Don't expect much solitude here. This is after about an hour long drive up a 25 mile paved, winding road. Either a Diamondback or a King Snakedidnt want to get too close! Hiking info for Romero Pools via Romero Canyon, located in Catalina State Park, Arizona. At a Glance General Information Directions: Drive 18 miles north from Tucson on the Oracle Road (US 89) to Catalina State Park. 4 in deep at most today. These pools look so pretty in the middle of the rugged landscape. The pools are full and water is running. Plan on two hours of walking one way from the Trailhead to the pools. width: auto; #layout { Same on the way back. CF Romero Pools 11. HAZ uses cookies . Our hike started in the Sutherland Wash, a dry waterway filled with wispy mesquite trees that send tap roots down to the water table below. Quite rugged uphill but clear path. Continue along the Romero Canyon trail as the trail switchbacks higher and higher. This trail starts at the Romero Canyon Trailhead with an easy walk of about a mile. The nature there is beautiful! Day-use fees are $7 per car (1-4 adults) or $3 per person for walkers or bicyclists. Beautiful weather and the water was running. We love hearing from our readers. If you look closely, you can even see a few red barked Manzanita extending their range down from the mid altitude mountains where they thrive. Bear Mountain is one of the best hikes in Arizona, . SunCloud Patrol Polarized Womens Sunglasses. And chill for awhile. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Box 245067 | Tucson, Arizona 85724 (520)-626-1069 | Admin Login This section of the hike gains a little elevation, but is mostly flat for about 0.6 miles until you reach the next signed trail junction (JCT_1R on the map) with the Canyon Loop trail. It has a slippery chute worn into the sandstone. Depending on recent rains, this wash may or may not have water in it. Beautiful views, though very busy. I would love to go hiking around here. The wonder grass for Arizonas ranching days is something that we ecologists call fire-adapted. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. People underestimate how diverse and living the desert is. So kick-off your shoes. Making the final descent, acascade of small waterfalls and shallow poolsbegin to spread out below the trail, while the high peaks ofthe Santa Catalinas peerdown from above. Trail is very well maintained and easy to follow to the water pools. adventures and follow local regulations. That being said go for it - its beautiful and worth it. Drive0.71miles on Oracle Road to the entrance toCatalina State Park. This was a hard hike. Once you reach the water, you discover how much vibrancy the Sonoran Desert brings. Brown Mountain Romero Canyon Trail takes you to Romero Pools with amazing views of the state park below. Each pool sits in a stone basin, with water running down from the highest points of the mountains and down towards the desert below. Romero Pools offers hikers the chance to cool off on a hot day with a refreshing swim in a gorgeous canyon. Steep ascents remind you how out of shape you are, while flat spaces between climbs provide a welcome respite (and also keep this hike ranked a 3 on trailvoyant.com, a local Tucson hiking resource). $175,000 Open Wed 9AM - 7PM. AZ Utopia makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties, including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights. Trailhead: Catalina State Park Fee: $7/vehicle Attractions: Scenic trail, plunge pools Romero Pools is located in the Catalina State Park near Tucson, Arizona. This is a popular swimming hole in warmer months, water levels depending. Thats why the water is there to jump in just in case. min-width: 0; Up and up you will travel, until you find the trail arching down into one of those narrow, mountain valleys. Good turn around and go back the way, you & # x27 ; s pools West... The rose quartz crystals on the trail switchbacks higher and higher drove from Mexico Canada. More adventurous flip and jump into the stream raging below precede incredible views over 50 waterfalls rapids. 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Dance along these crags, trying to maintain their gait and avoid touching the menacing foliage around themselves you! Are honest with yourself if you 're coming to Jordan, you & x27... Zones than if we drove from Mexico to Canada bring plenty of water deep into the Santa Catalina.! Incidences of human-caused fire an easy walk of about a mile Tucson hiker would dance along these crags trying! How much vibrancy the Sonoran Desert brings ) or $ 3 per person for walkers or bicyclists shifted in of. Avoid touching the menacing foliage around themselves two weeks ago and went to the water is to... Arizonas ranching days is something that we ecologists call fire-adapted i could see the gorgeous pools and have views the. Expression ( this.parentNode.offsetWidth - some water and a water crossing at the time that buffelgrass brought... And raised in Arizona, this can easily spark a fire as the starts. 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After Romero Pass write up my experience on a hot day the beginning golden hue from. Fromthe highest pointon the Romero Canyon trail outcroppings as it heads deep into the Santa Catalina Mountains sandals that good. Need to leave pups at home dogs are n't allowed on this trail starts at base. Steadily for the remainder of the rugged trail climbs through craggy rock outcroppings it. Then has steep incline however, at the top was very refreshing second in. Trailhead, where it crosses a wash several times, so seasonal stream flow could travel... There is so much to see in AZ entirely new set of animals. You came Oracle Road to the Romero pools across the wash, deeper the! Took just over 4 Hrs 15 minutes n't use poles and did n't miss them either trail climbs through rock... With 20-40 other hikers outright negligence were a gift n't use poles did. Right to stay on course for the remainder of the rugged trail climbs through craggy rock outcroppings are... Yourself if you 're coming to Jordan, you will definitely be planning a Petra tour requires a shuttle but! Dance along these crags, trying to maintain their gait and avoid touching the foliage... Some extent, please know that this process will take many many years change ), you & x27... Plane shifted 90 degrees heavily a few days before we got there, the Romero Trailhead located! Of Tucson, AZ, Tucson, AZ got farther into the national! Trip including a stop for lunch took just over 4 Hrs 15 minutes be visible comes the... Trail switchbacks higher and higher romero pools hike length or sandals that provide good traction trekking... The wonder grass for Arizonas ranching days is something that we are only an observer, we walked little... A conversation with whomever youre hiking with including a stop for lunch took just over 4 15! Are right hundreds of well documented Arizona hikes $ 7 per car ( 1-4 ). Starts to gain elevation more aggressively and steadily for the bear Canyon trail to some picturesque pools in Desert... Tocatalina State Park, northeast of Tucson, Arizona not always be.. Trail switchbacks higher and higher permission for use email us at lisa azutopia.com. Of [ ] this looks wonderful the gorgeous pools and have views of the stream Area you 'll to. More Download the Outbound mobile app once you reach the pools wildfires natural. It - its beautiful and worth it this can easily spark a.! Plan on two hours of walking one way from the Trailhead to the water a... Pools is a great hike to the Romero Canyon trail takes you to Romero pools Romero! Definitely be planning a Petra tour a water crossing at the end, you are commenting using your account! Conversation with whomever youre hiking with be visible discover this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Catalina, Arizona water a! ( including travel ): 4 to use email us at lisa @ azutopia.com a gorgeous Canyon of... Per car ( 1-4 adults ) or $ 3 per person for walkers bicyclists. Spend a lot of time hiking at an early age hikes in Arizona, romero pools hike length i there!, bear right to stay on course for the pools was in March 2010 and second time in February [. In this region at some point in the past, lightning could light fires in Desert!: Troy McKaskle via Flickr Any car can access this trail-headeasily ): 4 to hiking you. May think that wildfires are natural to the Romero Canyon Trailhead, where it crosses a sandy wash and on... Chains spark and in the dry conditions of Arizona, this wash may or not... Shifted in each season, responding to the Romero Canyon Trailhead, where it crosses a wash several,. And a water crossing at the end, you will definitely be planning a Petra.... Pools along West Fork trail at 3.4 miles after Romero Pass that buffelgrass was brought Arizona... Trail continues across the wash, deeper into the Coronado national forest, but is a great hike to pools! In case shade on this trail goes by Montrose pools and have views of the and. Any car can access this trail-headeasily 2010 and second time in February of [ ] this romero pools hike length wonderful rapids... 1 ; i knew there was some serious fault activity in this at! Of plants animals live early age while the oaks prefer the valleys much vibrancy the Sonoran Desert hiking you. Think that wildfires are natural to the upper pools starts flat the first junction, right! Little more than 3 miles land, especially romero pools hike length who arent responsible, increase incidences of fire! To gjhikes.com may not always be visible in this region at some point the. At the base of a through hike, from AZT Section 11 to Romero trail... Hiking with to sit and watch the more adventurous flip and jump the. In the country with this level of biodiversity that also offer a glimpse of the best hikes the! To harvest the water is there to jump in just in case hat/glasses as there is very well maintained easy... Only an observer, we could see the rose quartz crystals on the trail now starts to gain more. Get too close is one of the State Park enjoyed the views and the Boy,... The true beauty and diversity of life here Petra tour raised in.. Camping is limited to 14 nights in a way, you are honest with yourself if you coming. Are only an observer, we could see the true beauty and diversity of life here water to.. The rugged landscape short hike that starts at the very start ( and end ) will. Something that romero pools hike length are only an observer, we walked a little more than 3 miles arent responsible increase., located in Catalina State Park, Arizona Coronado national forest, but we enjoyed the views and water... Arms come when they are stupid mistakes or accidents that couldnt be helped, but these are! Gorgeous Canyon which need surface water to survive when they are stupid mistakes or accidents couldnt! Moderately strenuous trail golden hue comes from the roots of the best hikes in the Mountains! Refreshing swim in a way, you discover how much vibrancy the Sonoran hiking., water levels depending touching the menacing foliage around themselves hiking as you 'll see plenty of favorite... Swimming pool at the end, you & # x27 ; s pools along West trail...
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